Welcome
Step back into the early 1900s at the Milner Heritage House. It was here in Chatham that Robert Milner started a modest buggy and sleigh manufacturing business. In 1874, at the age of 19, Emma Wicks married Robert. Emma became a prominent artist, even though she didn't have any formal training. She specialized in "crayon" portraits (pencil stippling) for which she won many awards.
By the 1890s, the Milner Carriage Works had grown to become one of the largest vehicle producers in southern Ontario. Robert had established himself as one of Chatham’s “Captains of Industry.” Robert and his wife, Emma, built this Queen Anne-style residence on the corner of William and Murray Streets in 1894. Together, they had seven children.
In 1943, following Emma’s death in 1936, and Robert’s in 1941, their children donated the house to the City of Chatham. For over 45 years, the residence served as the Chatham-Kent Museum. Today, the restored Milner Heritage House depicts the turn-of-the-century lifestyle of a successful industrialist and his family. Costumed interpreters take visitors back in time to 1905 when stereoscopes, gramophones and magic lanterns were a family’s means of entertainment, and a “modern” kitchen consisted of a wood stove, icebox and a new, all-purpose “Chatham” cupboard.
The home also features a stunning collection of art by Emma Milner. Her greatest pieces were the incredibly detailed pencil portraits that she created of her family, friends and famous personalities of the day.
What's On
Milner Heritage House is closed for the 2023 season.
The Milner Heritage House welcomes bus tours, church, school, and special interest groups year-round by appointment. Please call at least 4 weeks in advance to book your tour. Cost: $5.00/person (minimum $50/tour).
Christmas at the Milners'
December 15-17, 2023
Cost: $35 per tour (each tour can include up to six individuals)
This holiday season, we invite you to visit the Milner Heritage House to celebrate Christmas the Edwardian way! Travel back in time and enjoy a private tour of the house while it is dressed in its finest holiday decor. Following your tour, take home a fun, interactive, and delicious kit to continue the festivities in the comfort of your own home.
Kits include cookies, cider, craft supplies, a lyric book and a link to a video with craft instructions, storytime, and a good old sing-along to get you in the holiday spirit.
The ticket price includes all materials, treats, and hot chocolate. There will be a cash bar available.
Book Christmas Tour at Milner House
Programs
We are pleased to offer an online registration service for your convenience. In order to register for Arts + Culture programs, you will need to create an account in Arts + Culture Program Registration. Once you have your account set up, please browse through the available programs offered in galleries, museums and theatres. Need assistance registering? Please call 519-360-1998 or email ckcccmuseum@chatham-kent.ca.
Museum Program Registration
Information & Services
This beloved 1905 historical home is located across from the Chatham Cultural Centre. A part of the Arts + Culture division of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
Hours:
- Open June 1 - August 27, 2023 | Wednesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm; Thursday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Contact Information:
Admission:
Tour Groups:
- The Milner Heritage House welcomes bus tours, church, school, and special interest groups year-round by appointment. Please call at least 4 weeks in advance to book your tour. Cost: $5.00/person (minimum $50/tour).
Parking
- Parking is provided free of charge. There are two parking lots. The largest one is located on William Street North and the other is on Murray Street.
Accessibility:
- The Milner Heritage House is currently inaccessible to wheelchairs. We would be pleased to accommodate you in any way we can. Please contact the museum to arrange alternative access.
Amenities:
- The house is climate-controlled for your comfort and for the protection of our artifacts.
- Enjoy the many picnic areas, located across the street in beautiful Tecumseh Park.
- There is a bus stop located at the Milner Heritage House on Murray Street.
- Please call 519-352-1920 for transit information.
